Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Overview

• What is the Smith Spring Loop?
  • The Smith Spring Loop is just over 2 miles and begins at the Frijole Ranch Trailhead.
  • It traverses through both desert and riparian vegetation to the beautiful Manzanita Spring.
• When is the best time to hike the McKittrick Canyon Trail?
  • The McKittrick Canyon Trail is most popular in the fall when the foliage is changing color.
• What can visitors see on the McKittrick Canyon Trail?
  • This moderate hike follows the bottom of the canyon for 3 miles along the banks of a river, then begins to climb.
  • The trail takes guests past the historic Pratt Cabin, a stone and wood cabin built in the 1930s by the Pratt family, who purchased the land in the 1920s and later donated it to the Parks Service.
• Is there lodging in Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
  • No, there is no lodging in the park, but two campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
• What are the features of Pine Springs Campground?
  • Pine Springs Campground is located at the base of the mountain at an elevation of 5,800 feet.
  • It offers twenty RV sites in a paved parking area, one of which is wheelchair accessible.
  • There are no hookups or dumping stations provided.
  • The campground also has twenty level, graveled tent sites, each with a picnic table.
  • Amenities include drinkable water, restrooms, and a utility sink.
• What are the features of Dog Canyon Campground?
  • Dog Canyon Campground is located at an elevation of 6,200 feet in a more secluded area on the north side of the park.
  • The naturally protected area stays cooler year-round.
  • The campground offers four RV sites (without hookups or a dump station) and nine tent sites.
• Are there group campsites available?
  • Each campground has one group campsite for groups of 10-20 guests.
• Are there backcountry campgrounds?
  • Yes, there are ten backcountry campgrounds located throughout various trails.
• What outdoor activities are available in the park?
  • In addition to hiking and backpacking, the National Park is known for birding and offers many unique habitats.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park History

• Who was Wallace Pratt?
  • In 1921, geologist Wallace Pratt visited Pecos, Texas to purchase oil leases for his employer, Humble Oil and Refining Company.
• How did Wallace Pratt discover McKittrick Canyon?
  • During his trip, a West Texas judge invited him to see the “most beautiful spot in Texas” during his downtime.
  • When Pratt first entered McKittrick Canyon, he was awestruck by what he saw.
• What did Wallace Pratt see in McKittrick Canyon?
  • The floor of the canyon held a stream that flowed freely through several waterfalls.
  • It was lined by maples, oak, and walnut trees as well as desert flora like cactus and agave.
• When did Wallace Pratt purchase land in McKittrick Canyon?
  • Pratt purchased a small portion of the land along with his partners, whom he bought out in 1930.
• Where did the Pratt family spend their summers?
  • The Pratt family spent summers in the Guadalupe Mountains in a stone and wood cabin they built through the 1950s.
• How did Wallace Pratt contribute to the National Parks Service?
  • By the 1960s, the Pratt family had donated over 5,000 acres to the National Parks Service, including their stone cabin.
• What wildlife can be seen in the park?
  • Mule deer and elk are frequently seen at water sources.
  • Coyotes, fox, and mountain lions are much more elusive.
• Why is Guadalupe Mountains National Park a good place for stargazing?
  • West Texas offers some of the darkest night skies in the United States.
  • On a clear evening, over 11,000 stars and planets can be seen.
• What types of habitats can be found in the park?
  • The park features riparian areas and shade near water sources.
  • It is home to Chihuahuan Desert species and relic forests of pine and firs at higher elevations.
• Can visitors go horseback riding in the park?
  • Yes, 60 percent of the trails in the park are open to stock, offering diverse trails for horseback riding ranging from easy to moderate to difficult.
  • Stock corrals are available at three of the park’s campsites.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Ongoing Programs and Education

• What events take place at Guadalupe Mountains National Park?
  • Events at the park include Patio Talks at the Pine Springs Visitor Center, Pioneer Prosperity at the Frijole Ranch Cultural Museum, and ranger-led hikes.
• What are Patio Talks?
  • Patio Talks are 30-minute talks presented by park rangers on subjects ranging from park history to geology and wildlife.
• What is the Pioneer Prosperity program?
  • Pioneer Prosperity is an ongoing program at the Frijole Ranch Cultural Museum that takes guests back in time to the early 1900s.
  • The program highlights the homestead of the John Thomas Smith family, who settled the area in 1906 and made a living with a 15-acre farm.
• When did the Frijole Ranch House open as a museum?
  • The Frijole Ranch House, belonging to the Smith family, was opened to the public as a museum in 1992.
• What ranger-led hikes are available?
  • Organized ranger-led hikes include the Hike to the Hall, which explores the Devil’s Hall canyon, and a McKittrick Canyon Day Hike.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, 400 Pine Canyon Dr, Salt Flat, TX 79847, Phone: 915-828-3251